Easy Japanese vegetable side dish – garlic stir-fried komatsuna greens and microwaved taro with salt and pepper, quick healthy recipe.

Komatsuna and Taro Garlic Stir Fry

Satoimo (Japanese taro) is commonly cooked in sweet and savory simmered dishes. While that flavor is classic, I sometimes want a version without the sweetness. In this recipe, I sauté satoimo with garlic and komatsuna for a simple, savory dish. The garlic brings out the natural flavor of the vegetables while keeping the seasoning light.

What is Japanese taro (Satoimo)

Satoimo is a type of taro root commonly used in Japanese home cooking. It has a mild flavor and a soft, slightly sticky texture when cooked. In Japan, it is often simmered in sweet and savory dishes. However, it can also be sautéed, like in this recipe, to create a simple and savory side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients
    This recipe uses just a few basic ingredients, but the garlic adds plenty of flavor.
  • A different way to enjoy satoimo
    Satoimo is often cooked in sweet and savory dishes, but this recipe offers a more savory alternative.
  • Nutritious vegetables
    Komatsuna is rich in vitamins and minerals, while satoimo provides fiber and a naturally satisfying texture.
  • Quick and easy
    Because the vegetables are simply sautéed, this dish comes together quickly and works well as a small side dish.

Japanese mustard spinach and taro garlic stir fry

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: green, potato, quick, Vegetable
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
A quick Japanese vegetable side dish made with microwaved taro and komatsuna, briefly stir-fried with garlic, salt, and pepper for a light, simple flavor that pairs perfectly with rice and any main protein.

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach)
  • 2 oz Taro
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • ½ tsp Oil just enough to infuse the garlic with aroma
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • A pinch Chili pepper

Method
 

Prep the vegetables
  1. Trim the stems of the komatsuna and cut into 1.2-inch (3 cm) pieces. Thinly slice the garlic.
    Peel the taro, cut into bite-size pieces, place in a microwave-safe container, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave at 600W for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
Cook the garlic
  1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir-fry the komatsuna
  1. Add the komatsuna and stir-fry until wilted.
Add the taro
  1. Add the microwaved taro and stir-fry to combine.
Season
  1. Season with salt, black pepper, and dashi powder. Toss well to coat.
Finish
  1. Sprinkle with chili pepper and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 2servingsCalories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 404mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1736IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 1mg

Notes

  • If Japanese mustard spinach(komatsuna) is unavailable, spinach or baby bok choy works well as a substitute.
  • Microwaving the taro first shortens cooking time and helps it cook evenly.
  • Adjust chili pepper to your preferred spice level.
  • This dish is best served fresh as a quick Japanese vegetable side dish.

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